DeskStar Bad Motor Bearing

[data-medics]

I've got a Hitachi Deskstar here with a nearly seized bearing. I can turn it a little (just enough to get the heads freed up) but it takes a ton of force so obviously won't be able to get it spinning again.

I'm just curious if anyone has ever had any success changing the bearings on these in place rather than platter swapping? The design of looks similar to the Seagates 7200.11's which I've changed bearings on before.

Anyone ever tried this? I always use platter swap as a final last resort.

[data-medics]

Are those crickets I'm hearing?

[jono-ats]

I've done platter swaps on these. Never been quite comfortable with the in situ bearing replacement process . . .

[data-medics]

Thanks Jono.

Someone mentioned to me in a PM about a tool called HDDSYNC. Anyone have experience using this? There doesn't seem to be any good pictures of the tool on the website.

EDIT: Found this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2MkThaAYdk

Looks to be a more advanced bearing replacement system which can hold the entire cylinder in the process. I'm betting they want a pretty penny for it. Anyone here ever get a price quote?

[pclab]

If I'm not mistaken, they quoted me for a 5000€ for the full kit...
They even offered me to schedule a trip to their location to see it working...

[pcimage]

I've got a Hitachi Deskstar here with a nearly seized bearing. I can turn it a little (just enough to get the heads freed up) but it takes a ton of force so obviously won't be able to get it spinning again.

I'm just curious if anyone has ever had any success changing the bearings on these in place rather than platter swapping? The design of looks similar to the Seagates 7200.11's which I've changed bearings on before.

Anyone ever tried this? I always use platter swap as a final last resort.

What model? How many platters?